Iran conducted a successful test of a ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers, according to Iranian state media. This test came just two days after the chief of Israel’s armed forces hinted at possible action against Iran over its nuclear program. Iran claims to possess one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East and asserts that its weapons can reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region.
Despite opposition from the United States and European countries, Iran has expressed its intention to further develop its “defensive” missile capabilities.Iranian Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani stated that the country’s primary objective is to defend its achievements and ensure regional stability. Iranian state TV broadcast footage purportedly showing an upgraded version of the Khoramshahr 4 ballistic missile, named Kheibar, which has a range of 2,000 kilometers and the capacity to carry a 1,500-kilogram warhead.
The choice of the name Kheibar is a historical reference to a Jewish fortress that was conquered by Muslim warriors during the early days of Islam.Israel, which is not recognized by the Islamic Republic, perceives Iran as an existential threat. In contrast, Iran views its ballistic missiles as a crucial deterrent and retaliatory force against the United States, Israel, and other potential adversaries in the region.
The Israeli military’s top general recently suggested the possibility of taking action against Iran, as efforts by six world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran have stalled since September of last year. Western countries have grown increasingly concerned about Iran’s rapid progress in its nuclear program.The nuclear agreement, which the United States withdrew from in 2018, imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, effectively extending the time required for the country to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, should it choose to pursue one.
Iran vehemently denies seeking nuclear weapons and insists that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes. Iran has successfully tested a ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers. This development comes in the wake of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel over the former’s nuclear program. Iran, which possesses one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, asserts that its missiles can reach both Israel and U.S. bases in the region.
Despite international opposition, Iran remains committed to further developing its defensive missile capabilities. The Iranian Defense Minister emphasized the country’s desire to defend its achievements and promote regional stability. Iran showcased an upgraded version of the Khoramshahr 4 ballistic missile, named Kheibar, in state TV footage.
Israel views Iran as an existential threat, while Iran regards its ballistic missiles as a deterrent and retaliatory force against potential adversaries. Efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran have stalled, leading to concerns in Western countries about Iran’s nuclear advancements. The nuclear agreement imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, but Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and insists on the peaceful nature of its program.
